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Immigrants in Norway Fight for Equal Treatment. They've Found a Way to Get Pay Raises
A UNHCR report points to discrimination against immigrants in the Norwegian labor market. Fot. Fotolia/Royalty Free/Author: blvdone
A new report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows that many immigrants in Norway experience discrimination in the labor market. These individuals are actively trying to counteract prejudice. One of the measures being taken is changing their surname to one that sounds more Norwegian. Although such cases are rare, they bring noticeable results in the form of higher earnings and better chances of employment.
A study conducted as part of the NAVIGATE project confirms that only 0.4 percent of immigrants and their descendants have decided to change their surname. The highest number of such decisions was made by people from the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and South America – 0.5 percent.
The report shows that changing one's surname can lead to an increase in salary of up to 30–40 percent and boost employment chances by 7 percent. The greatest effects were observed among immigrants from outside Western Europe and North America.
The report shows that changing one's surname can lead to an increase in salary of up to 30–40 percent and boost employment chances by 7 percent. The greatest effects were observed among immigrants from outside Western Europe and North America.
Benefits After Changing Surname
Expert Julia Orupabo from the Institute for Social Research emphasizes that discrimination in recruitment processes has persisted in Norway for many years. This phenomenon affects both those who immigrated themselves and children of immigrants born in Norway.
According to the report, the financial benefits mainly result from the opportunity to change jobs, rather than getting raises at current workplaces. Changing one's surname increases the chances of landing a better-paid and more stable position.
According to the report, the financial benefits mainly result from the opportunity to change jobs, rather than getting raises at current workplaces. Changing one's surname increases the chances of landing a better-paid and more stable position.
Changing one's surname can lead to a salary increase of 30-40 percent and boost employment chances by 7 percent.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
How Immigrants Cope with Discrimination in the Labor Market
The authors of the report note that immigrants use various strategies to reduce the risk of discrimination. Besides changing their surname, they try to submit job applications written in perfect Norwegian. They often omit information about religious affiliation or involvement in social organizations. Some highlight interests and hobbies associated with the Norwegian lifestyle.
Research also shows that some candidates attach photos to their applications to counteract negative stereotypes. Men choose formal attire and glasses to avoid associations with aggressive behavior. Women, on the other hand, hide curly hair or cover their hijab to appear more culturally neutral. These actions aim to create the image of a person well-integrated into Norwegian society.
Research also shows that some candidates attach photos to their applications to counteract negative stereotypes. Men choose formal attire and glasses to avoid associations with aggressive behavior. Women, on the other hand, hide curly hair or cover their hijab to appear more culturally neutral. These actions aim to create the image of a person well-integrated into Norwegian society.
Changing Surname as a Tool for Social Integration
The UNHCR report indicates that the decision to change one's surname does not always mean a desire to give up one's identity. For many immigrants, it is a way to increase their chances of an equal start in professional life. Researchers emphasize that such actions can contribute to better integration and reduce differences between minorities and the majority of society.
According to the report's authors, the key challenge remains creating a work environment where ethnic background does not affect the recruitment process. In the long term, this could contribute to a fairer and more open labor market in Norway.
According to the report's authors, the key challenge remains creating a work environment where ethnic background does not affect the recruitment process. In the long term, this could contribute to a fairer and more open labor market in Norway.
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